There’s something undeniably nostalgic about making pizza bagels – it’s like a throwback to simpler times, but with a grown-up twist. Let’s transform ordinary bagels into a delicious handheld feast that’s ready in no time!

A photo of Easy Homemade Pizza Bagels Recipe

Making fast and yummy snacks is my jam, and Easy Homemade Pizza Bagels are very much in my wheelhouse. They start with plain bagels, and go up from there—topped with pizza sauce, fresh mozzarella (or in my case, one of its many substitutes), and whatever other pizza toppings you like (I always make sure to slice the pepperoni nice and thick).

My secret ingredient? Parmesan cheese, sprinkled on after everything else but before it goes into the broiler.

And I almost always add a dash of oregano, which is practically mandatory for any pizza. Okay, get ready: these come together superquick!

Easy Homemade Pizza Bagels Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Easy Homemade Pizza Bagels Recipe

  • Plain Bagels: Source of carbohydrates; a filling base for toppings.
  • Pizza Sauce: Provides a tangy, tomato-flavored foundation; rich in lycopene.
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Offers creamy texture; a good source of calcium and protein.
  • Sliced Pepperoni: Adds a spicy and savory element; rich in protein.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: Intensifies flavor with umami; low in lactose.
  • Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat; enhances flavor and texture.
  • Dried Oregano: Herbaceous spice; adds fragrance and a hint of earthiness.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides depth; a subtle spicy kick.

Easy Homemade Pizza Bagels Recipe Ingredient Quantities

  • 4 plain bagels
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)

How to Make this Easy Homemade Pizza Bagels Recipe

1. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before you do anything else in the kitchen.

2. Cut the bagels in half through the center (horizontally). Put them on a baking sheet with the cut side facing up.

3. Brush each bagel half with a little olive oil to stop them from getting soggy.

4. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of pizza sauce over each half of the bagel.

5. Dust each bagel with sauce on it with a little garlic powder.

6. Distributing evenly, top each with a mound of shredded mozzarella cheese.

7. Evenly distribute the sliced pepperoni over the cheese on each half of the bagel.

8. Dust the pepperoni with the grated parmesan cheese.

9. Sprinkle dried oregano onto each bagel half for extra flavor.

10. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Ladle 1 cup (250 ml) of the sauce into the baking dish, and ensure it covers the bottom evenly. Place six layered tortellinis on top. Ladle on another 1 cup (250 ml) of the sauce, spreading it evenly. Then place another six layered tortellinis on top of the second layer of sauce, and ladle on the remainder of the sauce, spreading it evenly over the tortellinis. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, until the cheese has melted and is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.

Easy Homemade Pizza Bagels Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Knife
5. Pastry brush (for olive oil)
6. Spoon (for pizza sauce)
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cups

FAQ

  • Q: Can I use whole wheat bagels instead of plain?Whole wheat bagels can serve as a healthier option than plain bagels.
  • Q: How can I make the pizza bagels crispy?A: The bagel halves should be brushed lightly with olive oil and then toasted for a few minutes in the oven prior to the addition of the toppings.
  • Q: Can these pizza bagels be made in advance?A: The most optimal way to have them is freshly made, but they can be put together up to a day in advance and kept in the fridge. Bake when it’s time to eat.
  • Q: What are some vegetarian topping alternatives?A: You can swap pepperoni for sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to make a vegetarian option.
  • Q: Can I freeze leftover pizza bagels?A: Absolutely! First, make sure to leave ample space around the edges of each item for expansion. Next, use plastic wrap to cover each component tightly and securely. Now, place them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, remember that the oven is your best bet for achieving results that are close to freshness.
  • Q: What other cheeses can I use?1. Cheddar.
    2. Provolone.
    3. A blend of Italian cheeses.

    Use cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses for three distinct flavors you can offer when making these. Actually, you can use many kinds of cheese in this recipe. But, the flavor and texture really change depending on which you use.

  • Q: How long should I bake the pizza bagels?A: For 10-12 minutes, bake at 375°F (190°C) and watch for the cheese to melt and bubble. It should not be a mad bubbling that sends molten cheese onto the rim of a pizza pan.

Easy Homemade Pizza Bagels Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Alternate: Use a whole wheat or everything bagel for more taste than a plain bagel.
Sauce for pizza: Use either marinara sauce or pesto for a different flavor.
Shredded mozzarella: Substitute with an equal amount of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack.
Pepperoni that has been sliced: For a lighter substitute, try using slices of turkey pepperoni or vegetarian pepperoni.
Parmesan cheese, grated: Use pecorino romano or asiago cheese as an alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Use High-Quality Bagels: Opt for fresh, bakery-style bagels for better texture and flavor. A sturdy bagel will hold the toppings well and provide a satisfying crunch after baking.

2. Toast the Bagels First: For extra crispiness, lightly toast the bagel halves before adding the toppings. This step can help prevent them from getting too soggy once the sauce and cheese are added.

3. Customize Toppings: Feel free to get creative with additional toppings like sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers to add more flavor and texture. Just ensure they are not too heavy, as the bagel base is smaller than a regular pizza crust.

4. Watch the Cheese: Don’t overload the bagel halves with cheese; a moderate layer will melt nicely without overwhelming the bagel. To achieve a golden-brown crust, you can broil the bagels for the last couple of minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

5. Add Fresh Basil After Baking: If using fresh basil, add it right after the bagels come out of the oven. This prevents the basil from wilting too much and preserves its vibrant color and fresh flavor.

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Easy Homemade Pizza Bagels Recipe

My favorite Easy Homemade Pizza Bagels Recipe

Equipment Needed:

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Knife
5. Pastry brush (for olive oil)
6. Spoon (for pizza sauce)
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cups

Ingredients:

  • 4 plain bagels
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before you do anything else in the kitchen.

2. Cut the bagels in half through the center (horizontally). Put them on a baking sheet with the cut side facing up.

3. Brush each bagel half with a little olive oil to stop them from getting soggy.

4. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of pizza sauce over each half of the bagel.

5. Dust each bagel with sauce on it with a little garlic powder.

6. Distributing evenly, top each with a mound of shredded mozzarella cheese.

7. Evenly distribute the sliced pepperoni over the cheese on each half of the bagel.

8. Dust the pepperoni with the grated parmesan cheese.

9. Sprinkle dried oregano onto each bagel half for extra flavor.

10. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Ladle 1 cup (250 ml) of the sauce into the baking dish, and ensure it covers the bottom evenly. Place six layered tortellinis on top. Ladle on another 1 cup (250 ml) of the sauce, spreading it evenly. Then place another six layered tortellinis on top of the second layer of sauce, and ladle on the remainder of the sauce, spreading it evenly over the tortellinis. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, until the cheese has melted and is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.